What has been the coldest winter in decades ended officially on the first of March, and the cold temperatures seem to be showing signs of easing, but there could still be more icy times ahead, meteorologists say.
The record-breaking winter, which killed 79 people in Poland, grounded planes in Britain, and decimated tomato crops in Florida, has been one of the coldest on record in the northern hemisphere.
The winter has had devastating effects on markets, from food to online casinos like Caesars online, the latter receiving a boost from gamblers opting to stay home rather than weather the icy temperatures between their computer and the casinos’ gaming tables.
Poland has recovered from its devastating freeze, now recording daily minimums of around -7oC in Krakow. However, retail sales still have a long way to go after suffering heavy blows during the disastrous December freeze.
Longer-lasting effects are being felt in places like Florida, where the winter has taken a huge toll on agriculture, particularly Florida’s tomato crops, 70% of which were wiped out by the freeze.
“I’ve never seen it like this.” Said Jim Ayoob, the President of produce wholesaler, Tom Ayoob Inc. “The price is high, the availability is slim, and the quality is only fair.”
The meteorological winter ended on the first of March, however, cold temperatures are expected to continue for at least a few more weeks. Meteorologists at the University of Liverpool estimate that both March and April will be cooler than average months, with temperatures falling 0.7°C and 0.4°C below monthly averages respectively.
As snow continues to fall faster than it melts in many parts of the developed world, it seems there is little more for us to do than click our heels together and say, “There’s no season like spring.” But, then again, for those less inclined to fantasize, there’s always online casinos.
